Health Information Office Assistant

• Five–month certificate
• Fall and winter starts
• Includes a practicum in a health care or medical office setting
• Recognized by the Health Information Management Association of Alberta

Program Description

The health information office assistant is an integral member of the health care team, supporting the professional staff in collecting, accessing, and transmitting health information in a secure environment. The Health Information Office Assistant program is an innovative program providing the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge required by those wishing to become health information office assistants. Successful graduates will be proficient in medical office procedures, computer software, emerging client care software, basic billing duties, office procedures and health information law in a client care setting.

Courses in this program are conducted on SAIT campus and online. A three-week, unpaid practicum at a health care facility or medical office setting in or outside Calgary is required for successful completion of this program.

Certain courses are available by distance education (correspondence) and they are marked by an (*) in the program outline. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Depending on the number of courses students complete by correspondence, they may be considered a part-time student which may impact their financial loan status. As some of the content is delivered in an online environment, students will be required to have a personal computer with Internet access.

Your Career

Graduates are employed as health information office assistants in health care facilities, physician offices, regional health, chiropractic and rehabilitation centres.

Admission Requirements

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

There are no additional selection requirements. Admission to this program will be offered on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. However, applicants who are successful in gaining admission may be requested to provide proof of the requirements below prior to the start of classes/practicum. Applicants will be placed on a waitlist once the program is full.

1. Updated Immunization Records. Details are included in the orientation package for successful candidates.
   Please note: Most practicum sites require students to demonstrate updated immunization status prior to attending practicum. Failure to do so could jeopardize your ability to complete the practicum portion of your program.
2. Security Clearance: According to the Protection for Persons in Care Act, our practicum sites require that students obtain a criminal records check prior to going on practicum. Any criminal code offence for which a pardon has not been received, may be a deterrent to a student’s entry into practicum, and therefore will result in an uncompleted program, or non-graduating status.

Student Success

• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Students who experience success in this program have proficient communication skills in English.
• Health care practitioners are detail oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills are being considered as Admission Requirements for the program in the future.
• Health information office assistants enjoy variety in the workplace, prefer a regular work schedule, like working with people and enjoy paying attention to detail.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Health Information Office Assistant.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Health and Public Safety for more information.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.
• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
• The cost for a criminal record check, which is a requirement for practicum, is up to $40 or more.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $400.
• Students are required to have access to a personal computer with the specifications listed in Fees and Expenses.

Program Outline

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.
• This program is being reviewed and could undergo changes.
• SAIT students are offered an opportunity to develop lifelong learning skills in an online environment. One or more courses in the Health Information office Assistant program are offered fully or partially online.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8500
Email: hps@sait.ca
Web: School of Health and Public Safety
Academic Chair: Carmen Sheridan

Transfer with Certificate to...

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• SAIT Polytechnic

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition